15 Best Beaches in Galveston

Texas has very hot summers, so it stands to reason that many people head for the beach during these sweltering months.

The City of Galveston gives visitors plenty of options when it comes to cooling off at the seaside.

The city lies little more than an hour south of Greater Houston, so there is a large audience who flee from the city in search of cool shores.

Add the tourist numbers that visit Texas and its Gulf of Mexico coastline, and the beaches become very attractive.

Galveston itself is a large port – one of the biggest in the USA. It is located on Galveston and Pelican Islands, just off the Texas Mainland.

The population is modest; just 50,000 live here and enjoy the coastal location and plentiful beaches.

Some holidaymakers make Galveston their base, while others come down to Galveston at weekends.

At some point, they are all likely to go to at least one of the 15 Best Beaches in Galveston.

1. Surfside Jetty County Park, TX77541

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Surfside Jetty Park

With a beachfront playground, you can take the family to this free park which covers 15 acres.

Winding slides within the playground are great fun.

The picnic area has plenty of parking and there are restrooms close by.

There is a lovely beach to explore.

You can expect to see plenty of birdlife, while fishing and swimming are other ways to spend some time.

Historically, this region was an important harbor area; the old Fort Velasco is just outside the park, and Velasco Battery lies within.

2. Seawolf Park, TX77550

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Seawolf Park

This park on Pelican Island to the north is named after the USS Seawolf that was accidentally sunk in World War II. Another WWII submarine – USS Cavalla – and the destroyer USS Stewart are now tourist attractions within the park.

This is not a great place for swimming but there are plenty of other things to enjoy.

Of course, there is the beach itself, as well as fishing piers; flounder is the most common catch.

You might be able to catch lunch, but it is not guaranteed.

Picnic sites are on hand and children will enjoy the park’s playground.

8. Babe’s Beach, TX77551

Babe’s Beach, with its lifeguard presence, is a small slice of well-maintained shoreline.

You may just want to sit back and relax here.

Certainly, the kids will enjoy it, while surfers and fishermen have fun in the water.

The birdlife is varied and interesting.

West of 61st Street, this beach is named after A.R. ‘’Babe’’ Schwartz – a former member of the Texas Senate – who always maintained an interest in Galveston and its beaches; he was a lifeguard when he was young.

The beach was named in his honor in 2016 when he was approaching 90; he died two years later at the age of 92.